'Elite Initiative' Project Launches in Beijing to Advance High-Quality Development of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in Public Hospitals

On January 7, the launch meeting of the "Elite Engagement·'15th Five-Year Plan' High-Quality Development Project for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in Public Hospitals," guided by the National Health Commission's Health Development Research Center, jointly organized by the Beijing Great Doctor Public Welfare Foundation and the China Health Promotion Foundation, with public welfare support provided by Medtronic China, and with special academic guidance from the "Greater China Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Alliance" and the "China Obesity Alliance," was held in Beijing.

Policy Anchors to Public Health Needs, Cracking the Pain Points of Weight Loss Diagnosis and Treatment

Huang Er'dan, Minister of the Health Strategy and Service System Research Department at the China National Health Development Research Center, pointed out in his keynote speech that China has become one of the countries with the largest obese population in the world. The disease and economic burden caused by overweight/obesity and related chronic diseases is increasingly heavy. However, obesity has not yet been included as an independent chronic disease in the national three-level medical system, and the prevention and treatment system remains incomplete.

Based on this, promoting the high-quality development of the weight management system is key to enhancing residents' health literacy and achieving the goal of a "Healthy China." In the future, an integrated weight control management system that is stratified, graded, and linked at all levels should be established, exploring the inclusion of standardized bariatric surgery in medical insurance to form a management network covering the entire population and the full life cycle.

Standardized Industry Diagnostic and Treatment Pathways, Strengthening the Foundation of Talent Cultivation

Facing the current obesity situation and complex health needs, the construction of clinical disciplines is evolving towards a more refined and systematic direction. Professor Zhang Zhongtao, Chairman of the China Obesity Alliance and a professor at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, proposed that "obesitology" should be established as an independent clinical medical discipline.

Professor Zhongtao Zhang, Chairman of the China Obesity Alliance and from Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, delivered a speech.

Zhang Zhongtao introduced that the development of metabolic surgery for weight loss in China has been rapid, and the surgery has shown significant efficacy in treating metabolic diseases such as diabetes and fatty liver. However, issues like heterogeneity in clinical outcomes and uneven regional development still exist. To address this, the "Elite Promise" project will focus on enhancing the clinical skills, research capabilities, science popularization, and leadership of young doctors. Through systematic training, it aims to cultivate a new generation of core specialists and improve the standardization of diagnosis and treatment.

Enterprises Link Global Resources to Drive Localization Innovation

The progress of the project cannot be achieved without the active participation of social forces. As a global leader in medical technology, Medtronic has provided deep support for this project. In his speech, Matt Anderson, President of Medtronic Surgical Global, stated that China's surgical market is highly dynamic, with significant advancements in metabolic and bariatric surgery. Medtronic’s mission aligns closely with the "Healthy China" strategy, and the company will continue to introduce cutting-edge technologies while empowering clinical practice.

Medtronic Surgical Global President Matt Anderson Delivers Speech

Medtronic Greater China's Vice President of Surgical Operations, Zang Jing, and Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Cao Shan, further elaborated on the company’s localization commitment during their on-site speeches. Zang Jing shared that after over thirty years of deep engagement in China, Medtronic not only provides innovative solutions but also promotes technical standardization through training. Medtronic is committed to fully supporting the project with its innovative platforms and resources, ensuring its effective implementation, ultimately contributing to the shared goal of "Healthy Weight, Better Life."

Cao Shan, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications, believes that Medtronic is transforming from a technology "introducer" to a local innovation "co-builder." By supporting activities such as the Weight Management Clinic Forum and standardized science popularization initiatives, the company will promote public health and physician development. It aims to guide the public in establishing scientific weight management concepts, adopting healthy eating and exercise habits, and achieving a healthy lifestyle.

"Current Status and Breakthroughs in Recognition and Science Popularization in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery" Roundtable Forum was hosted by Professor Zhang Pin from the Sixth People's Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, focusing on how to support China's weight management initiatives through scientifically standardized health education.

Professor Hui Liang from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University pointed out that nearly half of obese patients are unaware of their own problems, and most do not consider obesity as a disease. There are challenges in the efficiency of hospital weight management clinics and the implementation of standards.

Professor Yang Yanling from Xijing Hospital stated that existing science popularization content mostly focuses on the basic concepts of obesity and general treatment plans, but lacks guidance for different types of obesity and specific populations. Both new media and traditional media have played important roles in science communication, yet policies for assisting impoverished obese patients still need to be promoted more effectively.

Professor Wang Bin from the Ninth People's Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine suggests that science popularization education needs to be standardized, precise, and should pay special attention to special groups such as disabled people and those living in poverty, using various media channels to disseminate health knowledge.

Professor Liu Shaozhuang from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University believes that surgeons engaging in science popularization need to possess multiple skills such as screenwriting, directing, and acting, while also understanding the rules of new media dissemination to enhance the appeal and传播效果 of科普内容.

Professor Wu Bin from the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province pointed out that obesity is associated with multiple chronic metabolic diseases. Science popularization efforts need to differentiate among various audience groups and should be carried out considering regional and cultural differences. He also called for the government and industry associations to provide proper guidance and standardized training.

The launch of this "Elite Engagement" special project represents a concrete practice by the government, enterprises, and academia in response to China's national health strategy. Zang Jing believes that as consensus builds among all parties and pragmatic projects are carried out, the initiative will provide a more innovative and sustainable "Chinese solution" to address the significant public health challenge of obesity.